Located in the affluent neighborhood of Houghton – home to late President Nelson Mandela – this hotel is characterized by regal charm and boasts superb attention to decorative detail in everything from its extravagantly furnished sitting areas and lounges to your airy, individually designed suite.

Set on the banks of the Sabie River, your lavish and contemporary villa is located on a private concession within South Africa’s premier Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, which borders the Kruger National Park. Thrilling 4x4 game drives and informative walking safaris through untamed game-rich wilderness are led by an expert ranger-and-tracker team. Expect excellent game viewing with reliable leopard sightings in a Big 5 reserve where off-road driving is permitted for unique wildlife encounters and an unmatched animal tracking experience. For a more unusual outing, join a hippo tour along the Sabie River and experience up-close encounters with these land-shy animals while crocodiles sun themselves on the riverbank. Night-time game drives expose nocturnal bush-life, includes bush babies, genet, or even a stealthy predator hunting and stalking its prey.Your incredibly spacious 2-roomed glass-fronted villa features its own rim-flow pool and a dedicated butler. Between action-packed game drives and fine dining, put your wellbeing in the hands of one of the spa’s beauty therapists or work out in the gym. Through the telescope on your private deck, stay in your bathrobe and spot game by day and star constellations by night. An outside shower allows you to bathe without missing out on any action unfolding on the river. Take your meals on the lower wooden viewing deck with expansive wilderness views, in the privacy of your villa, or alfresco around a roaring fire beneath the starlit sky. Retire to your suite’s exquisitely appointed living area and curl up in front of the cosy fireplace before sinking into your king-sized bed for a contented night’s sleep.

Arriving at the palatial entrance gate, you are greeted by name and welcomed back to the family by every member of staff. A drink at the hotel’s sleek Piano Bar precedes a grand silver-service dinner in the dining area, which is elegantly appointed with glittering chandeliers.

With direct access to the world-class yacht marina, Eden Bleu is a water-sport lover's dream. In the evening, head to Bourgeois Bar for a sundowners and a light meal, and then to the casino to see if Lady Luck is smiling on you. All rooms have views of Eden Island, the marina or the beautiful granite peaks.

Spend heady days sunbathing on the footprint-free beach between refreshing dips in the bright blue lagoon. Exploring the inviting ocean’s depths on a reef dive – or even wallowing in the shallows with a snorkel – get up-close to triggerfish, pirouetting rays and gliding turtles.Wander through the thick of the island’s forest that echoes with birdcall while discovering the immense diversity of flora and fauna. Resident conservationists conduct educational island tours, which provide fascinating insight into its history and conservation background. Watch the talented chef in the open kitchen as he uses ingredients sourced fresh from the island’s gardens or the surrounding Indian Ocean to prepare innovative cuisine to tantalise the senses; whether for a 5-course dining room affair, breakfast in bed or a romantic candlelit beach dinner under a star-studded night sky. Each time you return to your seaside beach cottage you are floored by the spectacular views from your verandah, furnished with a comfortable day bed overlooking the water just a few steps away. Lulled by the sound of the ocean rhythmically lapping the shoreline, fall into a deep slumber and dream of Africa.